Calif. County Halts Weddings Ahead of Gay 'Marriage' Rush

By Nathan Black, Christian Post Reporter Friday, June 13, 2008

An official in a conservative California county announced that her office will halt all civil wedding ceremonies as the state approaches the legalization of gay "marriage."

Kern County Clerk Ann Barnett said her staff will continue to issue marriage licenses but will no longer officiate at civil ceremonies. June 13 is the last day county officials will perform civil weddings, as reported by The Associated Press.

Barnett cited budget and staff constraints for her decision in an announcement made last week. But gay activists and supporters, including San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom who has offered to perform same-sex "marriages" in Kern County, are suspect of her decision, with some calling it poorly disguised discrimination against same-sex couples.

On Tuesday, June 17, the California Supreme Court's decision to allow same-sex "marriage" takes effect and thousands of homosexual couples are expected to tie the knot this year. County clerks will be required by law to issue new gender-neutral marriage licenses.

Those fighting to preserve traditional marriage between a man and a woman have rallied in support of Barnett, who reportedly announced her decision after learning from county lawyers that she could not refuse to marry gay couples.

Heterosexual couples who planned to marry inside the clerk's office in the coming days and weeks have rushed their weddings this week to make it before the county closes its doors on officiating weddings.

Bob Courtney, 61, who went to the clerk's office Thursday with Debbie Garett, 51, to get a marriage license applauded Barnett's decision, saying he believes marriage is between and man and a woman only, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Kern County residents overwhelmingly supported a 2000 ballot measure that defined marriage as between a man and a woman. The state Supreme Court overturned that measure on May 15 when it gave the green light to same-sex "marriages." Opponents of same-sex "marriage" will go back to the ballot in November to vote on a constitutional amendment to preserve traditional marriage.